🧘♀️What is Gendlin Focusing?
Last updated
Last updated
Focusing, a technique first discovered by Eugene Gendlin, is a mindfulness technique where we tune into our body's wisdom to gain insight into our emotions and experiences.
Focusing is all about spending time with something called a "felt sense". A "felt sense" is a physical experience, an internal knowing that conveys more than can easily be put into words. Focusing is about noticing the small, quiet emotions and sensations that we might not usually be aware of. These aren't obvious feelings or thoughts - they're a mix of sensations, images, and vague impressions that can tell you a lot about yourself.
While Focusing we tune into these feelings, get to know them, and give them the time and attention they need. After a few sessions, you may notice something called a "felt sense shift," a small change in your internal state that means you're releasing some emotional tension and getting to know yourself better.
Connecting with the felt sense: a felt sense is a subtle, pre-verbal, body-based awareness of a situation or emotion.
Resonance checking: offering thoughts and interpretations back to the body. Checking for jumps in intensity.
Staying-with: if you put your attention on a felt sense and wait it’ll speak up.
Focusing is a useful prerequisite to Internal Family Systems therapy because it teaches the importance of getting in touch with the body, in particular the "felt sense".
This video provides a good overview of Focusing.
A video of Eugene Gendlin, the founder/"discoverer" of Focusing.